Southern Ironwood

Southern Ironwood Description

The Southern Ironwood (Acacia
estrophiolata) is a tree native to the central
regions of Australia. It is also just called the Ironwood.
They are found in areas with about 300 mm of rain each
year. This tree is very useful, the various uses of
which are outlined below.

This tree grows to heights ranging from 4 to 16 m tall.
The flowers are a pale yellow color. When the Southern
Ironwood is young, the leaves are quite spiky. The branches
grow in a pendulum shape, and provide lots of shade.

The sap from the Southern Ironwood
was commonly ground, mixed with water, and eaten as
a gum by Australian Aborigines. This tree also makes
good food for livestock, as the seeds are very high
in protein.

Parts of the Southern Ironwood can be used as a topical
medicine used to treat burns, cuts and other sores,
including various eye problems.

The hard wood of this tree is used in carpentry as
fenceposts, and used to make spears and arrows for hunting.